The question isn’t just can you watch the Dragon Ball movies, but how best to experience them. The optimal viewing order weaves them seamlessly into the broader Dragon Ball timeline, enriching your appreciation without disrupting the core narrative. Watching them in a way that makes chronological sense enhances your overall viewing experience.
Understanding the Dragon Ball Timeline
Before diving into the movie order, it’s essential to understand the overall Dragon Ball chronology. The main series – Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT (debatably canon), and Dragon Ball Super – each have distinct timeframes. The movies, however, often exist in ambiguous or alternate timelines, sometimes contradicting events in the main series. This guide aims to place them in the most logical viewing order, maximizing enjoyment and minimizing continuity conflicts.
The Recommended Viewing Order: Dragon Ball
The Dragon Ball era is short but impactful. Here’s where the movies fit:
- Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986): This movie is a retelling of the early arcs of Dragon Ball, specifically the search for the Dragon Balls and encountering Emperor Pilaf. It’s best watched after completing the first few arcs of the Dragon Ball anime, specifically episodes 1-13, to avoid spoilers and familiarize yourself with the characters.
- Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987): Set sometime after the first movie, this film sees Goku and Krillin training under Master Roshi. Watch it after completing the Red Ribbon Army saga (episodes 29-68).
- Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988): A more loosely adapted retelling of the World Tournament Saga, this movie introduces elements from the later Tien Shinhan arc. It’s best viewed after the General Blue saga, but before the Piccolo Jr. arc, ensuring minimal story disruption.
The Recommended Viewing Order: Dragon Ball Z
The Dragon Ball Z era is where the movie continuity gets trickier. Here’s a breakdown:
- Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989): The first Dragon Ball Z movie introduces Garlic Jr., an enemy who makes a brief appearance in the anime. This movie is best watched after the Saiyan Saga, sometime before the Android Saga. Its events have minimal impact on the overarching narrative.
- Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990): Set after the Saiyan Saga, this movie features Dr. Kochin reviving Dr. Wheelo. Watch it after the events of the Saiyan Saga and before the Namek Saga. It’s a good filler episode and offers fun action.
- Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990): This movie introduces Turles, a Saiyan who resembles Goku. Watch it after the Saiyan Saga and before the Namek Saga. It presents an interesting “what if” scenario.
- Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991): This movie features a Namekian villain, Lord Slug, who seeks to conquer Earth. Watch it after the Frieza Saga but before the Android Saga. It doesn’t impact the main storyline.
- Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991): Cooler, Frieza’s brother, seeks revenge on Goku. This movie is best watched after the Frieza Saga, but before the Android Saga. It provides a solid action spectacle.
- Dragon Ball Z: Return of Cooler (1992): Cooler returns as Meta-Cooler, threatening New Namek. This movie is best watched after the Frieza Saga, but before the Android Saga. It continues the story established in “Cooler’s Revenge”.
- Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992): Dr. Gero’s activated Androids target Goku. Watch this movie after the Android Saga, but before the Cell Saga. It’s a non-canon adventure with some exciting fights.
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993): This introduces the immensely popular Broly. Watch it after the Android Saga, before the Cell Saga. Although non-canon, it’s a fan-favorite due to Broly’s intimidating power.
- Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993): This movie features Bojack, a space pirate who is unleashed after Cell’s defeat. Watch this after the Cell Saga but before the Majin Buu Saga. It is a fun tournament arc with plenty of action.
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (1994): Broly returns! Watch this after the Cell Saga and before the Majin Buu Saga. It is not as highly rated as the first Broly movie but offers more action.
- Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994): A clone of Broly threatens the world. Watch it after the Cell Saga and before the Majin Buu Saga. Many consider this to be the weakest Dragon Ball Z movie.
- Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995): Janemba, a powerful demon, threatens the afterlife and Earth. Watch this after the Cell Saga, but preferably during the Majin Buu Saga, before Super Buu’s ultimate transformation.
- Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995): Tapion, a hero from the past, is released, along with the monster Hildegarn. Watch this after the Cell Saga, but before the Majin Buu Saga. It offers a unique story and introduces the Hirudegarn arc.
The Recommended Viewing Order: Dragon Ball Super
Dragon Ball Super movies are more integrated into the canon:
- Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013): This movie is canon and is essentially retold within the Dragon Ball Super anime during the first arc. Watch it before starting Dragon Ball Super or after finishing the Battle of Gods arc (episodes 1-14).
- Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015): This movie is also canon and retold in the anime during the second arc of Dragon Ball Super. Watch it after Battle of Gods and before the Universe 6 Saga (or after the Resurrection ‘F’ arc, episodes 15-27).
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018): This movie reintroduces Broly into the official Dragon Ball canon. It is best watched after the Tournament of Power arc (episodes 97-131) of Dragon Ball Super. This is crucial, as it incorporates elements and transformations introduced in that arc.
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022): This film is set after the events of Dragon Ball Super: Broly. It is essential to watch it after Dragon Ball Super: Broly to understand the character dynamics and power levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best Dragon Ball movie?
This is subjective, but Dragon Ball Super: Broly is generally considered the best due to its stunning animation, compelling story, and powerful battles. Fusion Reborn and the original Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan also consistently rank highly.
Are all the Dragon Ball movies canon?
No. Most of the Dragon Ball Z movies are non-canon, existing in alternate timelines. Battle of Gods, Resurrection ‘F’, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero are canon to the Dragon Ball Super continuity.
Can I watch the movies without watching the series?
While possible, it’s not recommended. Understanding the characters, their relationships, and the power scaling is crucial for enjoying the movies. Watching the main anime series first will enhance your experience.
What about the Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy special?
This special is set many years after the end of Dragon Ball Z and is technically part of the Dragon Ball GT timeline. Watch it after completing the Dragon Ball GT series. Whether you consider GT canon is a matter of personal preference.
Do I need to watch Dragon Ball before Dragon Ball Z?
Yes, watching Dragon Ball is essential to understand the origins of Goku and the other characters. It provides the foundation for the entire franchise.
Where can I watch the Dragon Ball movies?
The Dragon Ball movies are available on various streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. They can also be purchased digitally or physically on DVD and Blu-ray.
In what order should I watch the arcs of Dragon Ball Super?
The recommended order is: 1) Battle of Gods Saga (episodes 1-14), 2) Resurrection ‘F’ Saga (episodes 15-27), 3) Universe 6 Saga (episodes 28-41), 4) “Future” Trunks Saga (episodes 47-76), and 5) Universe Survival Saga (episodes 97-131). Follow that with Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
Is Dragon Ball GT worth watching?
This is a divisive topic among fans. Dragon Ball GT is not considered canon by many, but it offers a different take on the Dragon Ball universe. Watch it if you want more Dragon Ball content, but be aware it deviates from the original creator’s vision.
Which movies are the best for introducing someone to Dragon Ball?
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is an excellent choice due to its modern animation and engaging story. The first Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan movie is also a solid option.
Does the English dub affect the viewing experience?
The English dub quality varies between movies. Some fans prefer the original Japanese audio with subtitles. Experiment to see which you prefer.
How long would it take to watch all the Dragon Ball movies?
It would take approximately 30-35 hours to watch all of the Dragon Ball movies, depending on individual movie lengths.
Why are some movies considered non-canon?
These movies often introduce characters and storylines that contradict established events or power levels in the main series. They’re treated as separate “what if” scenarios.